Ex-Lee County Commissioner Brian Bigelow in trouble again

Jan. 18, 2013

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Brian Bigelow

Former Lee County Commissioner Brian Bigelow was arrested on drug charges early Friday morning after, Fort Myers police say, he was found him in possession of more than 2 grams of cocaine.

Bigelow, 49, who is facing a charge of felony cocaine possession a charge of loitering and two charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, was released from the Lee County Jail later Friday morning.

He could not be reached for comment.

Police were patrolling a “high crime area” on Marsh Avenue in Fort Myers around midnight when they came across a Ford Focus parked and running between two buildings, according to a police report.

Police said the driver, later identified as Bigelow, was standing near the trunk of the car. Markis Avila, 22, was sitting in the passenger seat of the car.

Police said Bigelow saw them approaching, got back in the car and tried to back out of the parking lot.

He told officers he felt he was being discriminated against and requested a supervisor be brought to the scene.

Police said he appeared extremely nervous, was sweating and had difficulty speaking during the stop.

A police dog was called to search Bigelow’s vehicle and alerted officers to the presence of a drug.

Police said they searched the car and found a cocaine in a small bag under the passenger seat. They then searched Bigelow and found 10 small plastic bags containing cocaine and a straw with a white residue.

In all, police said they found 2.15 grams of cocaine on Bigelow and in the car.

Avila was charged with possession of cocaine and loitering. He was released from custody Friday.

Bigelow served as District 2 commissioner for six years.

He left the position to run for Clerk of Court but was defeated in the primary by Linda Doggett.

He was cited in November for allowing an unlicensed driver behind the wheel of his car.

Police said Bigelow and 19-year-old David Henley were pulled over after visiting a known drug house.

Henley was arrested on drugs charges and has since entered a pretrial diversion program.